When Summer is Gone

I intend to enjoy summer and the sun, warming my ancient skin. Once, I said goodbye to summer because one season must yield to the next, and it was time to attend school and learn. I said goodbye to seemingly endless beach days, crashing waves, sand crabs, frisbees, hot dogs, and portable radios singing about suntanned California girls; lazy mornings, bike rides to the ballpark, and balls, flying off my bat and over walls. I said goodbye, as I said goodbye to the excitement of youthful romance, to my son's childhood, and as I will say goodbye, one day, to you, dear friend. I intend to enjoy summer.